Man Claims Self-Defense in Beating of 71-Year-Old

Ryan Kobus, of Leominster, appeared in Western Worcester District Court on Tuesday for a dangerousness hearing

A judge has ruled that a 25-year-old Massachusetts man charged with pulling a 71-year-old man from his car and punching him repeatedly in the face in a case of road rage is too dangerous to release on bail.

Ryan Kobus, of Leominster, appeared in Western Worcester District Court on Tuesday for a dangerousness hearing.

Police say Kobus was tailgating another vehicle in Barre on Sept. 12 when the other vehicle pulled over to let him pass. Police say Kobus stopped and beat Walter Young, breaking his $2,000 hearing aid.

Kobus is charged with assault and battery on a person 60 or older, disorderly conduct and malicious destruction of property.

Kobus' lawyer says he was provoked after Young threw punches at him.

Kobus is due back in court on Oct. 20.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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